Star Searcher's  Express
Brought to you by Be the Star You Are!™
P. O. Box 376, Moraga, CA 94556, 877-944-STAR, www.bethestaryouare.org 

   It is not now, and has never been, our intention to send this free newsletter to anyone who does not want it. If you received this in error, please respond with "REMOVE" on the subject line. Forward this to anyone who you think may be interested in its contents. If this was forwarded to you, and you want to receive it monthly, reply with "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line.  FEEL FREE TO FORWARD THIS NEWSLETTER TO YOUR FRIENDS WHO MAY ENJOY IT. Visit our web site at http://www.bethestaryouare.org.  Please note, by responding to this email, you do not reach the charity.  To reach Cynthia Brian directly, email her at cynthia@bethestaryouare.org.  Thank you.

November 2005

MIRACLE MOMENT®:

"The reason so many people
never get anywhere in life is
because when opportunity
knocks, they are out in the
back yard looking for
four-leaf clovers."

 Walter P. Chrysler

• Link Swap

• Spotlight: A Message From Teen Volunteer Jennifer Tao

• Thank You's To Our New Galaxy of Stars Donors

• Need Exposure? Try A Radio Interview!

• Update On Operation Hurricane Relief

• Star Fun! Writing Contest

• Welcome New Radio Network

• Get A Free E-Book

• A Message From Our Founder

• Upcoming Engagements For Cynthia Brian

• About Be the Star You Are!™ charity

• Support the charity -- buy books

• Your feedback

• Subscription information

• Newsletter archive

• Forward this newsletter to a friend

• Contact Cynthia Brian

Thanksgiving Attitude of Gratitude Tips
by Founder, Cynthia Brian
©2005

My daughter, Heather Brittany and I have been traveling around the country lecturing a great deal this year.  For the Thanksgiving Week, we have been invited to present a week long retreat on creating a Thanksgiving Attitude of Gratitude at Red Mountain Spa and Resort in Utah. If you can join our celebration, we welcome you to refresh, rejuvenate, reconnect, and seek sanctuary as we give thanks.  

For those of you who can’t join us, we want to share a few tips with you called, Thanksgiving is Today. Take time to give thanks for the little things every day, not just once a year.  Be grateful for what you have. . When we are grateful, we are rewarded with a sense of honor and personal strength. Say “thank-you,” for every gift you receive, positive or negative, because everything in life is a blessing.  Life may be giving you a lesson in appreciation. Learn to be grateful for everything. Gratitude exalts the heart and feeds the soul. Having an attitude of gratitude makes every moment shine brightly.

1. Say "Thank You"

During the next hour, say a sincere “thank-you” to everyone who does anything nice for you, your family, your friends, or the world. Write one thank-you note, and mail it.

2. Cook up a Treat

Create something nourishing, sweet, and delicious to give to a friend or loved one. Bake a cake and say “Thank you for being you!” The recipe for living a life of happiness is gratitude.

3. Create a Gratitude Journal

Find a beautiful journal to keep by your night stand and every night write down all the people, places and things that your are grateful for on this day. Date it. When you are having a bad day, re-read your entries.  You’ll be surprised by all your blessings.

4. Learn to Receive

Allow others to feel good about them selves by giving to you. Learn to accept appreciatively and to enjoy the spirit of the gift. Sometimes the way you receive can be the greatest gift of generosity.

5. Write a letter

Letter writing is a dying art.  Get pretty note cards and write a heartfelt “thank you” to those who have made a difference in your life…just because.

6. Party On

Throw a Gratitude Party and invite everyone you admire.  What better way to say “thank you” than to eat, drink, dance, and be merry with friends?

7. Color My World

Get out your crayons and get creative. Make a collage. Cut photos and slogans from magazines to express your love of life.  Make meaning from madness.

8. Offer Compliments

Beauty and grace are everywhere around us.  When you “feel the love” say so.  Compliment often and from the heart.  You’ll be amazed at how wonderful you can make others feel.

9. Reward Yourself

Who is the most important person in the world? YOU!  Before you can serve others, you must serve yourself.  That means give yourself the gifts you need- more sleep, a hot bath, new clothing, a pat on the back, a romp with your dog, a glass of champagne, a luxurious vacation or a relaxing massage.  The important thing is for you to get the message that you are important. You count.  You are worthwhile. You DESERVE to be special. And then express your gratefulness for being the star you already are.

10. Make a Donation and Volunteer

What better way to show your gratitude for all you have than by making a financial contribution to your favorite small charity as well as volunteering some time.  May we suggest a contribution to Be the Star You Are! 501(c)(3)? You can designate your funds be used in OPERATION HURRICANE RELIEF, or you can even shop on-line for Christmas and Hanukkah presents at IGIVE.com, MyCAUSE.com or our online store at http://www.bethestaryouare.org/Shop.html where we feature parties art, auctions, books, and more.  Just type in Be the Star You Are! as the cause you want to benefit.  All donations are tax deductible and can be made on-line through PAYPAL at www.bethestaryouare.org or sent to PO Box 376, Moraga, Ca. 94556.  Everyone counts - you make a difference.

Everyday is Thanksgiving Day when you live, learn, laugh, and love in the moment. Thanksgiving is today. Share the abundance. Have a great Thanksgiving.

"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some."    Charles Dickens, 1812-1870, Novelist

Spotlight: A Message from Teen Volunteer, Jennifer Tao

Hi, this is Jennifer Tao, teen chairperson for the Star Book Review Team and coordinator for Operation Hurricane Katrina/Rita & Online Fundraising. I am a junior at Campolindo High School, and I enjoy reading, painting, and, of course, volunteering with Be the Star You Are! Currently, there are several wonderful programs at Be the Star You Are! First, there is Operation Hurricane Relief, a book drive that we are holding to donate books to those affected by the disasters. Down in Louisiana, they have already received several boxes of books. Be the Star You Are! is still seeking shipping dollars and book donations (preferably children's books). Furthermore, we are holding a used inkjet drive. This ink cartridge recycling program not only benefits the environment, but also helps the charity. Please mail or drop off the inkjets at the office! Additionally, as an attempt to raise money to help cover shipping and various other costs, BTSYA is proud to announce a revived ebay/half.com/amazon.com book sale. Hopefully, starting next week, we will be selling surplus books on these websites under the screenname ¡°be_the_star_you_are¡±. Finally, as the Holiday Season approaches, we will be seeking more books to distribute as presents for our beneficiaries. Please contribute to these great projects and I will try to update everyone as new programs come along! Thank you!

Thank You’s  To Our New Galaxy of Stars Donors

Be the Star You Are! has been busy helping survivors of the hurricanes with OPERATION HURRICANE RELIEF as well as continuing our radio broadcast and distributions to our many other charitable partners.  We want to thank the following people and companies for helping us help others:

• Karen Kitchell, www.Cheergivers.org (a super charity for kids we love supporting)

• Pat Wyman www.howtolearn.com.(helping learning disabled kids)

• Dr. Beth www.drbeth.com (bridging the gap between parents and teens)

• Shirley Cheng www.shirelycheng.com (inspiring through her books)

• Michael Sinke www.mygrandmaandme.com (donated $15,000 of books)

• Maureen Focht www.thesilentheroes.com (advocate for mentally ill)

• Paula Schmidt www.paulaschmitt.com (donates proceeds of her book, Living in a Locker Room to BTSYA)

• Larita Arnold www.laritaarnold.com (author of The Fastest Ship)

• Kent Healy www.coolstuffmedia.com (author of Cool Stuff)

• Larry Freeman www.ragingbullcapital.com (sponsor of our writing contest)

• Michael Ball www.usbank.com (sponsor of our writing contest)

• Sabrina Hotkin www.manzanitafallspublishers.com (donated books)

• Shawn Glisson (donated note cards and letterhead)

• Arlene Evans (donated books)

• Dr. David Loveall (donated to Operation Hurricane Relief)

And to all of you who we know are about to contribute to Be the Star You Are!, we offer our gratitude.  We can’t do it without your support!

Need Exposure? Try A Radio Interview!

Our popular internationally syndicated radio program, Starstyle®-Be the Star You Are! is brought to the airwaves as an outreach program of the charity, Be the Star You Are!™ which works to empower women, families, and youth-at-risk through literacy and positive media, such as our radio show.  If you are interested in a 15-20 minute radio interview to promote your books, seminars, services, or charitable organization and willing to make a donation to cover broadcast time fees, please email cynthia@star-style.com for information on scheduling, and benefits.  You can listen to archived shows at http://www.worldtalkradio.com/show.asp?sid=118.

Update on Operation Hurricane Relief

Over $25,000 in resources have now been sent to survivors in the Gulf Coast of both Hurricanes Rita and Katrina.  We continue with our efforts and ask your support.

If you can assist in OPERATION HURRICANE RELIEF, we appreciate your donation. You can make a monetary donation via PAYPAL at our web site www.bethestaryouare.org, send a check to Be the Star You Are! PO Box 376, Moraga, Ca. 94556, or pay by VISA and Mastercard.   All donations are tax deductible and will serve OPERATION HURRICANE KATRINA.

Here are suggestions: 

• $25 ships one box of paperback books

• $100 ships over $450 worth of books

• $250 ships over $1500 worth of books, CD's, and videos.

• Buy a case of 24 books of our signature book, Be the Star You Are! for the deeply discounted rate of $299  (Case is regularly $415.20).  Each book will be autographed and shipped to the center of your choice with a note indicating that you are the donor. 

Please help us offer respite and relief through books to the challenges of our fellow Americans. All donations are tax deductible and a receipt will be sent by email.  For more information, visit www.bethestaryouare.org. EVERYONE COUNTS!  And we count on YOU!

Send your contribution to PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556 or call 925-376-7126.

In addition, if you know of agencies that are in need of our services, please let us know. We want to make our resources available to offer hope and healing to rebuild a strong and prosperous future for these individuals and families. As Margaret Mead stated "Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Star Fun!

WIN $100 AND A GUEST SPOT ON OUR RADIO SHOW! 
Be the Star You Are!™ 2005 2^nd Annual Writing Contest
Sponsored by:

Elsworth Berg Capital Management, San Diego, California

and US Bank, Lafayette, California

Welcome to Be the Star You Are!™ 2nd annual Writing contest. 

TOPICS:
You may choose from the three following topics.  One Grand prize will be awarded. Runners-up will have their essays published in our newsletter, StarSearcher’s Express and will be noted on our web site at www.bethestaryouare.org. 

1. Write an essay or personal story on the influence that adults have as role models for kids.

2. Write an essay or personal story as a tribute about great parents from the children who were loved by them.

3. Write an essay or personal story on how we can see the positive in world disasters and how we can help our children learn from them.

FEE  $10 donation per entry

1st Prize - $100 plus guest appearance on the nationally syndicated radio program, Be the Star You Are!™ (Total value, $700)  Additionally, story will be published in our StarSearcher Express newsletter and at www.bethestaryouare.org.

Runners-up –Published in our StarSearcher’s Express newsletter and noted on web site.

Winners will be notified by email and telephone. Winning entries will be published on the Be the Star You Are!™ web site (http://www.bethestaryouare.org) and in the Star Searcher’s Express Newsletter.  Other publishing opportunities and/or prizes to be announced. Radio interviews are over-the-phone. Program broadcasts live and is archived from San Diego, California every Wednesday from 6-7pm PST on World Talk Radio, Visit: http://www.worldtalkradio.com/show.asp?sid=118 to tune in.

All submissions must be received by Be the Star You Are!™ by midnight December 20, 2005. Essays accepted by mail or email.

You may enter as many essays as you'd like, however each one must be in a separate email or envelope accompanied by a $10 donation entry fee.

Be the Star You Are!™ is a 501 C3 charity. All entry fee donations are tax deductible according to the law.

• Any statistics must be documented with researched sources.

• Word Count: please keep stories between 300-600 words.

• Email address: – cynthia@star-style.com (no attachments, please - place your essay within the body of the email)

• US  mail – Be the Star You Are!™ charity, PO Box 376, Moraga, Ca. USA 94556

• All submissions must be original, unpublished, and the sole property of the author.  Author retains all rights to submission. Winners and runners-up entries will be published on Be the Star You Are!™ web site effective January 9, 2006. Winners notified by that date. Winners will be listed in the newsletter and on the web site. No additional mailings will be considered. Payment accepted by check, money order , VISA, MasterCard, or PAYPAL.

• If sent by US mail, all submissions must be double spaced, neat and typed on 8.5 x 11 white bond paper. Handwritten submissions not accepted. No stories or materials will be returned. Provide contact information on first page of submission including:

  • Author's name

  • Mailing address

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Word count

  • 30 Word Bio

For more information, please visit: www.bethestaryouare.org  

Welcome New Radio Network

Starstyle-Be the Star You Are! radio program is now heard EVERYDAY on WIRN radio networks.  We welcome our newest supporter of positive programming. Check us out.

World Internet Radio Network.  Show airs everyday 9am PST /12 noon EST and 4pmPST/7pmEST. Click here to listen.

PRAISE FOR THE SHOW
"I have been interviewed by thousands of interviewers and Cynthia Brian is one  of four of the top  interviewers in the  country today."  Jack Canfield,  Co-Founder, Chicken Soup for the Soul Series.  Click Here to Read More.

The official radio station of Be the Star You Are!™ Charity (Airing every Wednesday, live from 6-7pm PST, 9-10 pm EST,  as well as archived.) Call in Toll Free U. S. & Canada: 888-514-2100, International: 001-858-268-3068. Click here for the schedule. Click here to listen.

Where People Make a Difference (Airing every Sunday  at 7pm PST / 10pm EST  at WPMD radio, 1700 am.) Click here for the schedule. Click here to listen. Download Windows Media Player.

Leisure Talk Radio Network (Airing every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1:00, 5:00 and 9:00 AM & PM beginning June 14th.) Click here for the schedule. Click here to listen.

Get A Free E-Book

Cynthia’s book, The Business of Show Business got a real thumbs up in the Midwest Book Review in October.  The review read ”Want to be an actor, but don’t know how to break into the business with the right approach? You can’t go wrong with-and should not go without-Cynthia Brian’s The Business of Show Business: A Comprehensive Career Guide for Actors and Models. The author has a background in producing, directing, acting, hosting, and consulting, and has coached kids and adults alike. From learning what kinds of jobs are out there to learning about agents, auditioning, rules for child actors and working on the side, this is the “Insider’s” guide to the industry which should be in the hands and on the minds of any aspiring model or actor before they compete in the show business world.”

With a $50 donation to Be the Star You Are! you receive the FREE E-book version of this remarkable book.  Want the hardcopy?  Visit our online store!

A Message From Our Founder

It’s that time of year again when we are all more in tuned with what we have and what we can share.  It’s a time of thanksgiving and a time of making donations to a charity.  Why give your extra dollars to the tax man when you can help women, families and youth who really need help?

In an era when violence and skepticism dominate the airwaves, BE THE STAR YOU ARE®! charity offers a refreshing, welcome alternative helping kids beat the odds encouraging the American Dream.

Please open your wallet and give to Be the Star You Are! this year.  Somehow we have managed to remain an all volunteer charity and we are still alive helping in the community and the country.

Since its founding, Be the Star You Are! has served approximately 41,000 individuals and families within 36 organizations and has logged more than 87,300 volunteer hours, while distributing over $1.2 million in resources.

With the high price of gas this year, why not save time, energy and dollars  and buy your Christmas presents on-line at our store. All the name brands and your favorite stores, plus original art parties, posters, books, music and more can be found http://www.bethestaryouare.org/Shop.html.  And don’t forget to designate Be the Star You Are! as your United Way charity by writing our name in the blanks. So many easy ways you can make a difference. 

Now don’t you feel better already?

Here are a few ways you can contribute:

• Send a tax deductible contribution or offer a monetary tribute or memoriam to a loved one

• Buy quantities of the three books which donate sales proceeds to our charity: Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul (HCI), The Business of Show Business and Be the Star You Are! 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing and Learning to Make a Difference (Ten Speed Press) (Available through our office, on-line, or in stores)

• Donate air miles

• Sponsor our syndicated radio program

• Donate your vehicle, boat, or trailer…call us, we’ll do all the work for you!

• Donate goods that can be auctioned off at an event

• Make BE THE STAR YOU ARE®! the beneficiary of your UNITED WAY donation

• Shop at your favorite stores on-line by visiting our on-line shops at  http://www.bethestaryouare.org/Shop.html.

• Sponsor an event making BE THE STAR YOU ARE®! the charitable beneficiary

• Ask your company to match your donation or make a contribution

• Volunteer time

• Become a Benefactor

• Establish A Charitable Giving Account with an Investment Firm in the name of BE THE STAR YOU ARE®!.

Please join our galaxy of Stars and support BE THE STAR YOU ARE®! with your contributions and/or ask your company to be on our team. Visit the web site at www.bethestaryouare.org for more information. Please send your checks to:

BE THE STAR YOU ARE®!, PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556.

We can be reached at 877-944-STAR. You will receive a receipt for your tax deductible donation. Credit card contributions and purchases are accepted.

Have a healthy, happy, and safe Thanksgiving and holiday season.  We wish you and your family all blessings, love, and prosperity.  Thanks for being our supporter. 

Starsmiles across the miles,

Cynthia Brian
Be the Star You Are!
Founder
www.bethestaryouare.org

Upcoming Engagements for Cynthia Brian

• November 22-26, 2005, Red Mountain Spa in Utah. “A Thanksgiving Attitude of Gratitude Presentation Celebration” with Cynthia Brian and Heather Brittany.  For information or to book a reservation, call 1-800-407-3002 . Choose your own adventure at www.redmountainspa.com.

• November 22 Bathrobe Babes™

• November 23 Amazing at Any Age

• November 24 The Gift of Thanksgiving

• November 25 Tea for Two-A Mother/Daughter Brew Party

• November 26 12:00-1:30pm. B. Dalton Booksellers, St. George, Utah - Presentation and Book signing of Be the Star You Are! and Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul. For information call 435-673-4224.

• November 26, 2:30-4:00pm, Little Professor Bookstore, 15 N. Main St., St. George, Utah. Presentation and Book signing of Be the Star You Are! and Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul., For information call 435-674-9898. 

• November 27-Dec. 3rd, Cynthia Brian is interviewed on Dr. Beth’s radio show on Womens Radio for Bridging the Parent Teen Communication Gap.   http://www.womensradio.com/Zones/RadioHub.htm 

• December 6, 2005- noon-1pm EST/9-10amPST guest on The Bernie Siegel Show at www.healthylife.net.  

• March 16-19, 2006- National Conference for the American Society of Interior Designers, Nashville, Tennessee. Cynthia presents “A Juggling Act-How to keep your life in Balance”. For more information, visit www.asid.org.

To book Cynthia Brian as a speaker for your organization or event, contact Marcia Snow, marcia@bluefeathermanagement.com, or call 1-888-797-6700.